Slovakia Passes Controversial Judicial Reforms Despite EU Rule of Law Warnings
• Brussels warned Slovakia its judicial reforms could cause “irreparable damage” to the rule of law before MPs approved them.
• The reforms scrap an anti-corruption prosecutor's office, lower penalties for financial crimes, and shorten the statute of limitations for rape.
• Critics argue the changes protect PM Fico's political and business allies from investigation.
• The reforms may prompt EU legal action and a suspension of EU funds over rule of law concerns.
• Slovakia's president is considering options to prevent the judicial changes from taking effect.